Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Harmony (2000), Edition: 1st, 344 pages
Description
From the bestselling author of Midwives comes a thought-provoking story about gender, love, and new relationships. When Allison Banks develops a crush on Dana Stevens, she knows that he will give her what she needs most: attention, gentleness, kindness, passion. Her daughter, Carly, enthusiastically witnesses the change in her mother. But then a few months into their relationship, Dana tells Allison his secret: he has always been certain that he is a woman born into the wrong skin, and soon he will have a sex-change operation. Allison, overwhelmed by the depth of her passion, finds herself unable to leave Dana. By deciding to stay, she finds she must confront questions most people never even consider. Not only will her own life and Carly' s be irrevocably changed, she will have to contend with the outrage of a small Vermont community and come to terms with her lover's new body-hoping against hope that her love will transcend the physical.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jeniwren
This is an interesting story about a transsexual who before gender reassignment falls in love with a woman. After the surgery from male to female the relationship continues with much prejudice and the obvious problems.
This is told in multiple narrative with each of the characters giving the
I have previously read 'Midwives' from this author and once again he tackles a controversial theme that is both illuminating and educational.
This is told in multiple narrative with each of the characters giving the
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different perspectives . It is a novel which explores the nature of love and relationships albiet here with a twist and asks the question can love truly overcome all obstacles?I have previously read 'Midwives' from this author and once again he tackles a controversial theme that is both illuminating and educational.
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LibraryThing member Alvaro77
Gay. Straight. Trans-gender. Transsexual. This book is a rather simplistic look at the complicated issue of sexual reassignment surgery. It begins like any other love story between a man and a woman except this man, Dana, is in the process of becoming a woman. The characters are a little under
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developed and the book is very predictable but I learned a thing or two about transsexuals. I am a fan of National Public Radio so I loved the NPR transcripts that ran throughout the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member anderlawlor
Well, this is one of those terrible and yet for me compulsively readable novels. How do normal people see/deal with gender variance? And by normal people I mean to include aspiring normal people. I always want to know, so I read their (incredibly popular, published by mainstream presses, gigantic
Obviously heavily researched, and written by an obviously gender-conforming, heterosexual, Extremely Liberal dude. Not quite as offensive to my sensibilities as Middlesex (the gold standard), but gross and recuperating of the gender binary, heteronormativity, and liberalism. Yuck yuck yuck! I think I need a bath.
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advance bearing, totally exploitative) books.Obviously heavily researched, and written by an obviously gender-conforming, heterosexual, Extremely Liberal dude. Not quite as offensive to my sensibilities as Middlesex (the gold standard), but gross and recuperating of the gender binary, heteronormativity, and liberalism. Yuck yuck yuck! I think I need a bath.
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LibraryThing member niquetteb
Transsexual, transgender, transvestite. These words are touched on in Chris Bohjalian's novel. Readers are drawn into the stories of the 4 main characters, feeling their emotions as a man becomes a woman. Bohjalian provides details of the sex change from man to woman that plunge into experiences
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and information most of us would otherwise not think about. The book is an easy and enjoyable read, but lacks congruity with interview excerpts that are included. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibrarysCat
I enjoyed this book much more than Midwives, which I barely finished. I really enjoyed hearing the story from multiple perspectives. Perhaps a change in writing would have been good as we changed to new people. Otherwise, I could not put this down until I finished the story.
LibraryThing member coolmama
Well, not as great as I was lead to believe.
Not much character development.
She meets man, looses man as he becomes a woman, she's not sure if she wants to make love to a woman, and then the ex-boyfriend/current girlfriend ends up with her ex-husband. A little to pat for my liking.
Not much character development.
She meets man, looses man as he becomes a woman, she's not sure if she wants to make love to a woman, and then the ex-boyfriend/current girlfriend ends up with her ex-husband. A little to pat for my liking.
LibraryThing member KC9333
Interesting take on transgender issues but saw the ending coming a mile away....not as good as Bohjalian's other books.
LibraryThing member jules72653
This book has one of the strangest story lines ever! I can still remember it and I'm sure I must have read it 10 years ago!
LibraryThing member ...caroline
I won't summarize "Trans-Sister" radio as summaries and plot descriptions are readily and plentifully available.
I will think that it the weakest novel, of Bohjalian's work, by far. There are several reasons, but first and foremost I believe that the characters in the book, while involved in a
While none of the characters were especially well-developed, the females characters were downright frustrating. While I've always enjoyed and respected Bohjalian's previous novels, in this case I felt like I was reading a man trying way too hard to write about women: how they dress, act, think, and feel. The descriptions of clothing and some descriptions of physical intimacy were nearly laughable.
While the plot was interesting (it kept me from putting the book aside) it was also predictable.
In summary: not a fully thought-out or fleshed out novel, both from the standpoint of character POV and character development as well as plot resolution.
I will think that it the weakest novel, of Bohjalian's work, by far. There are several reasons, but first and foremost I believe that the characters in the book, while involved in a
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rather sensational life-happening, are flat and ill-developed. In some cases, Carly for instance, a character is just a collection of stereotypes and cliches used as a plot vehicle more than anything else.While none of the characters were especially well-developed, the females characters were downright frustrating. While I've always enjoyed and respected Bohjalian's previous novels, in this case I felt like I was reading a man trying way too hard to write about women: how they dress, act, think, and feel. The descriptions of clothing and some descriptions of physical intimacy were nearly laughable.
While the plot was interesting (it kept me from putting the book aside) it was also predictable.
In summary: not a fully thought-out or fleshed out novel, both from the standpoint of character POV and character development as well as plot resolution.
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LibraryThing member marynkids42
This is the second book I have read of Bohjalian's. I was drawn to his books because he sets his books in Vermont and I know where the places are that he uses. This particular book was about a somewhat touchy subject and I can relate to the reactions of friends and neighbors because they are
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typical of the area. Show Less
LibraryThing member LynnAlex
This is the book that made me fall in love with Chris Bohjalian! He is one of my favorite authors.
LibraryThing member janiereader
A bizarre yet interesting read. I am a fan of Chris Bohjalian, so I had to read it. Answered some questions as well as brought up some on the subject. It was unfortunately a predictable read and the ending was no surprise, and seemed a cop out. I read the first chapter to my husband on a long car
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ride. Needless to say, he didn't want me to read anymore. I wonder if it was a girl main character if he would have wanted me to continue? Show Less
LibraryThing member carmarie
I really enjoy Chris Bohjalian's writing. I kinda didn't see the ending coming, I wanted the divorced parents to get back together. I also would have liked some insight on Allie's thoughts on Dana and Will int he end. It seemed she was forgotten about. Carly does mention that she's happy, but other
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than that, don't you think you'd be weirded out if your husband ended up with the transexual lesbian that was your lover? Show Less
LibraryThing member marcejewels
From my blog
If you want debate, choose this for your book club. I thought this was a fascinating, thought provoking but at times uncomfortable book to read. And to know this is reality for some makes it a wow moment, I feel a little shell shocked but I also feel more educated.
One of the debates is
I enjoyed the style of the book, they used the transcript of radio clips and then we heard from different characters in the book in relation to how they were affected or their role in the process. We get some details about the surgery, it can be uncomfortable to read, squeamish at times.
I loved how they alternated between calling Dana he or she, this proves as great debate also. An interesting thought was if Dana had got in an accident and was castrated by mistake, many would be supportive but to choose castration, how could he. Very complex thoughts. Allison has always been straight, now that her partner is no longer a man, is she gay, hmmm.
Every thought that you have while reading this, the author will touch on, amazing really. I live in a small community and if this happened, I can see many reacting the same, news and radio for sure. Unfortunately some of the judgments too.
My only issue was the ending and I think it just made me uncomfortable in so many ways which also makes me feel guilty. It ended a little to quickly and neatly but then I think do I really want to know.
I highly recommend this one just for the heart wrenching, emotional but thought provoking adventure it take you on.
If you want debate, choose this for your book club. I thought this was a fascinating, thought provoking but at times uncomfortable book to read. And to know this is reality for some makes it a wow moment, I feel a little shell shocked but I also feel more educated.
One of the debates is
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when should personal life be a factor for professional life. Allison has fell in love with a transsexual while she is a school teacher. Chris B was fantastic in the genuine characterization he used in the book for all involved. The ex husband Will, daughter Carly, principle, parents, students and of course the couple themselves Dana and Allison. Some of the advocates at school were out of order and made me realize a great reputation will not always win over decisions that truly should only be yours.I enjoyed the style of the book, they used the transcript of radio clips and then we heard from different characters in the book in relation to how they were affected or their role in the process. We get some details about the surgery, it can be uncomfortable to read, squeamish at times.
I loved how they alternated between calling Dana he or she, this proves as great debate also. An interesting thought was if Dana had got in an accident and was castrated by mistake, many would be supportive but to choose castration, how could he. Very complex thoughts. Allison has always been straight, now that her partner is no longer a man, is she gay, hmmm.
Every thought that you have while reading this, the author will touch on, amazing really. I live in a small community and if this happened, I can see many reacting the same, news and radio for sure. Unfortunately some of the judgments too.
My only issue was the ending and I think it just made me uncomfortable in so many ways which also makes me feel guilty. It ended a little to quickly and neatly but then I think do I really want to know.
I highly recommend this one just for the heart wrenching, emotional but thought provoking adventure it take you on.
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LibraryThing member bkwyrmy43
This novel helped to bring transgender to the fore front of society. Would you stay with the one you loved, if they decided to change genders to mirror yours? Can it be done?
LibraryThing member FAR2MANYBOOKS
Wow, can this author pick a more controversial topic?
Laying out on the table all, if sometimes too much information on transexuality and gender reassignment.
Like most of Bohjalian's novels, this one makes you think and question many possibly preconceived notions concerning love, sexuality and
He humanizes characters, who are usually demonized or sensationalized in our culture, without preaching to you what you should believe.
This is a very interesting and informative read, but not for everyone.
Laying out on the table all, if sometimes too much information on transexuality and gender reassignment.
Like most of Bohjalian's novels, this one makes you think and question many possibly preconceived notions concerning love, sexuality and
Show More
gender. He humanizes characters, who are usually demonized or sensationalized in our culture, without preaching to you what you should believe.
This is a very interesting and informative read, but not for everyone.
Show Less
LibraryThing member FAR2MANYBOOKS
Wow, can this author pick a more controversial topic?
Laying out on the table all, if sometimes too much information on transexuality and gender reassignment.
Like most of Bohjalian's novels, this one makes you think and question many possibly preconceived notions concerning love, sexuality and
He humanizes characters, who are usually demonized or sensationalized in our culture, without preaching to you what you should believe.
This is a very interesting and informative read, but not for everyone.
Laying out on the table all, if sometimes too much information on transexuality and gender reassignment.
Like most of Bohjalian's novels, this one makes you think and question many possibly preconceived notions concerning love, sexuality and
Show More
gender. He humanizes characters, who are usually demonized or sensationalized in our culture, without preaching to you what you should believe.
This is a very interesting and informative read, but not for everyone.
Show Less
LibraryThing member indygo88
I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I started this book. I like Chris Bohjalian's writing for the most part, and this was one that was available on audio, so I dove in. Plot summary: Allison and Dana (male) fall in love. Unbeknownst to Allison at the time, Dana is preparing to undergo
The transgender issue in itself is controversial for many people. Bohjalian throws an extra curve ball into this story by forcing the character of Allison to basically choose whether or not she can continue to love Dana as a female, thereby instantly transforming her status from straight to gay.
The novel itself is very forthright in many ways. While reading/listening, I found myself a little squirmy & unsettled. It certainly is thought-provoking and would generate good discussion. As an audiobook, the abridgement was done fairly well, and it was not obvious that it was indeed an abridgement. The reader, however, was annoying when trying to assume different character voices. One had a strong southern drawl, another a strong Bostonian accent, and I couldn't quite justify this in my head, seeing as the setting was Vermont.
This story isn't for everyone and would probably make some readers uncomfortable, but as stated above, it would make a good discussion book.
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gender reassignment surgery to become a female. The transgender issue in itself is controversial for many people. Bohjalian throws an extra curve ball into this story by forcing the character of Allison to basically choose whether or not she can continue to love Dana as a female, thereby instantly transforming her status from straight to gay.
The novel itself is very forthright in many ways. While reading/listening, I found myself a little squirmy & unsettled. It certainly is thought-provoking and would generate good discussion. As an audiobook, the abridgement was done fairly well, and it was not obvious that it was indeed an abridgement. The reader, however, was annoying when trying to assume different character voices. One had a strong southern drawl, another a strong Bostonian accent, and I couldn't quite justify this in my head, seeing as the setting was Vermont.
This story isn't for everyone and would probably make some readers uncomfortable, but as stated above, it would make a good discussion book.
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LibraryThing member kebets
This was the November book for our book club.
I have to admit I wasn't overly enthused by the topic of a trans-gender love affair - especially when one of the characters is an elementary teacher. As a former elementary teacher in a book club of elementary teachers my experience and understanding
The premise - a lonely elementary teacher, Allie, falls in love with Dana. Sounds simple - but so not! Dana is a college professor who has began the process of gender reassignment when he and Allie meet, she was a student in one of his classes. As their love affair grows he nears the reassignment surgery deadline and a lot of decisions have to be made.
This story is told over the airwaves of a NPR public radio station managed by Allie's ex-husband and narrated by her daughter. Each of these secondary characters adds to the depth of this complicated story with their perspective. The narrative moves between first person action and a retelling of the details. It adds an interesting dimension.
What did I think? As an elementary teacher I did not agree with all of the actions of Allie. She made some ridiculous decisions as a teacher - allowing 6th graders to swim in a lake on a field trip only partially clad would never happen in my Iowa town!! But, I did care for her. I felt the pain of her lost love - changed love - confused love! I don't know that it changed my feelings on the topic - but it did make me pause and consider. I think that is what a great book does - force us to face a part of life that we may not bump against very often.
We had a great discussion in book club.
And then following our meeting this happened...
(IMAGE OF TWITTER CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS BOHJALIAN)
I was so excited that @Chrisbohjalian tweeted me back!
I felt just like a little kid - a real author responded to me!
It reminded me again why I love technology and the immediacy of connection and the power of the words we put out there to the internet. It also reminded me how much I love the printed word and the power of those words to remain current even 17 years after they were first published!
I am happy we read this book and I am happy for the discussion that followed.
Thanks Chris Bohjalian!
I have to admit I wasn't overly enthused by the topic of a trans-gender love affair - especially when one of the characters is an elementary teacher. As a former elementary teacher in a book club of elementary teachers my experience and understanding
Show More
made me pre-judge this.The premise - a lonely elementary teacher, Allie, falls in love with Dana. Sounds simple - but so not! Dana is a college professor who has began the process of gender reassignment when he and Allie meet, she was a student in one of his classes. As their love affair grows he nears the reassignment surgery deadline and a lot of decisions have to be made.
This story is told over the airwaves of a NPR public radio station managed by Allie's ex-husband and narrated by her daughter. Each of these secondary characters adds to the depth of this complicated story with their perspective. The narrative moves between first person action and a retelling of the details. It adds an interesting dimension.
What did I think? As an elementary teacher I did not agree with all of the actions of Allie. She made some ridiculous decisions as a teacher - allowing 6th graders to swim in a lake on a field trip only partially clad would never happen in my Iowa town!! But, I did care for her. I felt the pain of her lost love - changed love - confused love! I don't know that it changed my feelings on the topic - but it did make me pause and consider. I think that is what a great book does - force us to face a part of life that we may not bump against very often.
We had a great discussion in book club.
And then following our meeting this happened...
(IMAGE OF TWITTER CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS BOHJALIAN)
I was so excited that @Chrisbohjalian tweeted me back!
I felt just like a little kid - a real author responded to me!
It reminded me again why I love technology and the immediacy of connection and the power of the words we put out there to the internet. It also reminded me how much I love the printed word and the power of those words to remain current even 17 years after they were first published!
I am happy we read this book and I am happy for the discussion that followed.
Thanks Chris Bohjalian!
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LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
So earnest, trying to admit the complexities of diverse ppl's reactions to being involved in an unusual situation. If a reader is curious about the topic, this wouldn't be a bad introduction. Otoh, I've been intimate friends with a trans woman and all I cared about was her, not her surgery etc.
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So, for me, this book was 'preaching to the choir' and therefore disappointing, not worth reading. The book I want to read is one about some people, one (or more) of whom happen to be dealing w/ gender dysphoria. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Book on CD read by Judith Ivey (abridged).
The novel is told by the four central characters: Dana, Carly, Allison and Will. Dana is a professor at a local college. Carly is the teenaged daughter of Allison and Will, who are long divorced. When Allison takes a course at the university she meets Dana,
Bohjalian tackles blended families, small town politics, prejudice, marriage, relationships, and the idea of “love conquers all” in this novel. If that sounds a little messy … well, the relationships between these characters, and the townspeople are somewhat messy as well. At one point Dana even comments that her university, where she had daily contact with students, had no problem with her gender-reassignment, while the parents and administrators of the middle school where Allison taught clearly wanted her fired just for her association with “that pervert.” And then there’s Will… Will’s second marriage is strained by his apparent interest in Allison’s new relationship. Is he jealous that some other man is interested in his ex-wife?
Like I said it’s messy and complicated. A lot like real life. Bohjalian’s story forces the reader to examine (and re-examine) the labels we assign to people and the knee-jerk reactions we have to those labels.
I was intrigued and the story held my interest, but I don’t think it’s Bohjalian’s best effort. I wasn’t a great fan of the interjection of the radio interviews (Will is a manager of Vermont Public Radio, and Dana’s situation becomes a focus of a story on NPR). I thought they interrupted the flow of the story, though they were a convenient way to expand on how various people felt about the issues.
The audiobook is capably performed by Judith Ivey. I really liked the voices she used for Dana, Carly and Allison. But I couldn’t stand the gravelly voice she gave to Will. It certainly made it easy to tell who was who, but it just seemed so false. There is an unabridged audio version of this book, but my library didn’t carry it. Once I realized it was abridged, I resorted to the text copy to fill in the blanks. There was nothing crucial to the plot missing from the abridged audio, but I definitely got more character development from the text.
The novel is told by the four central characters: Dana, Carly, Allison and Will. Dana is a professor at a local college. Carly is the teenaged daughter of Allison and Will, who are long divorced. When Allison takes a course at the university she meets Dana,
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and they begin dating. Dana is cultured, intelligent, a great cook and an attentive lover. But he’s hiding a secret. Dana’s always know that she is really a woman in a man’s body, and has already made plans for gender-reassignment surgery. Bohjalian tackles blended families, small town politics, prejudice, marriage, relationships, and the idea of “love conquers all” in this novel. If that sounds a little messy … well, the relationships between these characters, and the townspeople are somewhat messy as well. At one point Dana even comments that her university, where she had daily contact with students, had no problem with her gender-reassignment, while the parents and administrators of the middle school where Allison taught clearly wanted her fired just for her association with “that pervert.” And then there’s Will… Will’s second marriage is strained by his apparent interest in Allison’s new relationship. Is he jealous that some other man is interested in his ex-wife?
Like I said it’s messy and complicated. A lot like real life. Bohjalian’s story forces the reader to examine (and re-examine) the labels we assign to people and the knee-jerk reactions we have to those labels.
I was intrigued and the story held my interest, but I don’t think it’s Bohjalian’s best effort. I wasn’t a great fan of the interjection of the radio interviews (Will is a manager of Vermont Public Radio, and Dana’s situation becomes a focus of a story on NPR). I thought they interrupted the flow of the story, though they were a convenient way to expand on how various people felt about the issues.
The audiobook is capably performed by Judith Ivey. I really liked the voices she used for Dana, Carly and Allison. But I couldn’t stand the gravelly voice she gave to Will. It certainly made it easy to tell who was who, but it just seemed so false. There is an unabridged audio version of this book, but my library didn’t carry it. Once I realized it was abridged, I resorted to the text copy to fill in the blanks. There was nothing crucial to the plot missing from the abridged audio, but I definitely got more character development from the text.
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LibraryThing member LynnB
I enjoyed this story about love -- and how that relates to sexuality. We have Allison falling in love with a man -- only to find out that "he" is a transgender lesbian woman. Allison stands by Dana through sexual reassignment surgery and beyond and tries to keep an open mind. Allison loves Dana but
One criticism: at times, the book read more like a magazine article (and not just during the transcripts of a radio show the characters appear in) than a novel. Almost a clinical, non-fiction description of things that took me out of the plot.
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she isn't gay. Can it work? Allison's ex-husband (and good friend), Will, doesn't like Dana when he meets him and thinks he is abnormal. But Will becomes fond of Dana after her surgery. (I'm using pronouns to match the presenting gender at the time of the story.) The book explores the many facets of sexuality and the deep psychological identification of gender, which doesn't always "match" how the world sees you. Good characters, and a story that would provoke a lot of discussion. One criticism: at times, the book read more like a magazine article (and not just during the transcripts of a radio show the characters appear in) than a novel. Almost a clinical, non-fiction description of things that took me out of the plot.
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LibraryThing member AnaraGuard
Chris Bohjalian is a solid writer, turning out intricate characterizations of Vermonters, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Trans-Sister Radio, published in 2000, gives a sensitive look, through four points-of-view of a trans-sexual love affair and how a small town responds: with confusion,
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revulsion, compassion, insight. The ending was a bit too neatly tied up in a bow for my liking, but I appreciated how nuanced his approach was, and felt like I learned while being engrossed. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmoncton
After undergoing the usual stress of picking the perfect book for bookclub - must be available in paperback, not too long, good story BUT must also have controversy or incite a good debate... I decided to pick Trans-Siter Radio. I just finished reading it and it did not disappoint me. Good story
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with great characters and I can't wait for bookclub since I am dying to discuss this book with someone. (My husband is tired of hearing me ask him all the hypothetical questions that go along with this book - would you still love me if I was a trans sexual? How do you know you're not gay?) Should be a fun discussion! Show Less
LibraryThing member Mercef
Written twenty years ago, I wonder how this novel would be judged by critics today, given its theme of a man transitioning to a woman. To me, it appeared thoughtful in its insight into the many issues trans people must face - struggles with family, acceptance, judgements and internal conflict.
Quite disappointed by the ending.
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However, given the heated (often hateful) debates about trans women today, and the outrage about cultural appropriation, I think this novel would be unfairly judged.Quite disappointed by the ending.
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Subjects
Awards
Lambda Literary Award (Nominee — 2000)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0609604074 / 9780609604076